An Impartial View Of Tramping

An Autobiography by Tony Gilman (VUWTC committee member and Thrillseeker.)

Well, it's been another very active year for me this year, despite a few setbacks early on, such as the Freshers' Trip. This test of skill and stamina was probably my greatest trip this year. They all said it just couldn't be done, but I did recover in a few short months to the extent of contemplating leadership of a gorge trip (1) in the Hutt River. Unfortunately the elements were against me and the trip had to be indefinitely postponed.

Undaunted, I was soon (2)"off into the hills" again. On this trip I was going to attempt something I had seldom done before. My intention was to stay "in the hills" for two consecutive days, one after the other. I achieved this feat in record time (two days) and took a well earned rest for another few months.

Now I come to the trip for which I am probably best known-—The 1976 Gourmet trip". There can be no doubt that this was page 29a "Man's Trip" (3). I put up a notice, and selected the fastest, fittest people, most likely to be able to survive the hardships and deprivations facing any such expedition.(4). I decided to split the party up into three groups to ensure that at least some might successfully make the ascent to Totara Flats (base camp). Not all of us did make it through though! P.J.Tree and Uncle Tom Connell were unable to hack the pace and had to be left behind. The rest of the party met my big brother Geoff and me at Totara Flats, and we celebrated (5) our reunion with wine and fine food.

On this merry note I concluded my tramping activities for the year.